My Path to Data: Shailja Seth
A blog series featuring women from Slalom — both current and alumni — on their path into data and analytics.
Welcome to the latest piece in our “My Path to Data” series, where we talk to women from Slalom — current and alumni — about their roles and how to prepare for a career in data. Today, we spoke with Shailja Seth, a data and analytics (D&A) leader from Slalom’s Westchester/Southern Connecticut (WesCo) office. Shailja has been a consultant for a significant part of her career and shares how she found her way to Slalom.
How did you get into the data field?
My masters degree in statistics from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, gave me a foundation in data. The coursework involved applying statistical analysis, working with statistical packages, and writing code to generate data insights. For the final project of the program, I wrote code that transformed image files using “C” programming language. I was fascinated to see what the data transformations did to original images and was immediately hooked on the power of data analysis.
What is one thing you wish you could go back and tell yourself before starting a career in data?
Crossroads will appear on your career path! Follow your gut, make choices, and go for the experiences — they will all come together.
What is your role at Slalom?
At Slalom, I lead business and data teams, ensuring successful client project delivery across data strategy, data engineering, and data science. Additionally, I drive the growth of the AI/ML capability within the Slalom WesCo market, managing a team of data scientists to build solution accelerators for cross-industry use cases. Finally, I collaborate with our accounts teams and alliance partners to engage in business development activities across Slalom WesCo.
What made you choose Slalom?
I’ve been a consultant for a significant part of my career. I worked at management consulting firms such as Mckinsey and Diamond (now PwC) and technical consulting firms such as IBM and Infosys. I enjoy consulting work because it enables me to impact multiple client businesses. The only part I disliked about consulting was the travel to client sites (especially after I became a mother), but Slalom came with the perk of no such travel.
That said, the reason I chose Slalom was because of the enjoyable interactions I had with each team member I talked to, from the very first interview to the last. I knew then that it was a culture fit for me and was the right choice.
Do you have tips for those interested in a career in data?
Stay up-to-date with technologies — keep learning, but have deep technical expertise in an area or two. And don’t forget your communication skills. You can develop most comprehensive data solutions, but you should also be able to communicate its utility and position its value to your clients.
Also, if you’re considering consulting, be sure you enjoy change. Consulting projects are across multiple clients and engagements have different flavors. “Change is constant” in consulting, so be ready for it.
What’s your most memorable moment at Slalom?
One of the most memorable moments was receiving feedback from a Slalom C-level leader on the positive things he heard about my work from my client and colleague. It was a memorable moment because he took the time to put feedback in Workday despite his busy schedule and other priorities. This spoke volumes to me about the “caring” and “connecting” culture at Slalom — that it’s not just words, but also acted upon by our leaders. It inspired me to do the same and has helped me become a better leader.
As a woman in data, which Slalom core value is most important to you?
Celebrate authenticity!
Tell us your superpower.
My ability to connect with people.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned on your Slalom journey?
At Slalom, I’ve learned how having the right people and implementing the right culture are key to an organization’s success. I’ve observed that Slalom has an open culture that encourages brainstorming ideas amongst all employees. I’ve also experienced how motivated people at Slalom are to help each other and share their ideas and expertise across markets. This cross-market collaboration helps improve delivery and ensure client success.
Want to hear more from Shailja?
Shailja Seth has delivered innovative data and analytics solutions, crafted strategic roadmaps, and led complex transformations for multiple clients. At Slalom Westchester/Southern Connecticut (WesCo), Shailja leads the AI/ML capability and manages a team of data scientists to develop AI/ML solutions. Prior to joining Slalom, Shailja worked at management and tech consulting firms. This balance with a business consulting background helps her bring a unique perspective to problem solving and work seamlessly with data, technology, and business teams as a trusted client advisor. She is a life-long learner who enjoys creating positive impact by designing and implementing data and technology solutions to solve strategic business and social problems.
Slalom is a global consulting firm that helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Learn more and reach out today.
